Rambles

My knitting time lately has been reasonably steady and I've been getting lots done. This is the back of my Central Park Hoodie...I've used up one of my seven balls of yarn so far - Diamond Galway Heather in a forest green. The yarn was a Christmas gift from my father (well...the gift certificate he gave me was used for this yarn) and it's lovely. I'm having a lot of fun knitting this sweater and I'm amazed at how quickly it's progressing! I've never knit a sweater before so I guess I was expecting a slow process. The pattern isn't very complicated but I'm not quite bored with it yet. I joined the KAL to help me stay motivated. We'll see how I am by the time I start the second sleeve!

This is my Liesel Scarf:

I have no idea why I'm knitting this scarf. It isn't intended for anyone in particular, there's no deadline. I just wanted to try this pattern.

I've been thinking about doing a lace shawl so I wanted a smaller project to practice. But this is much more of a lace knit than knitted lace. Ah well, it's still pretty in it's orange-cream, alpaca goodness. I'm actually stashbusting! This Noble Collection by Michell 90% alpaca was one of those yarns I just bought just because it was cheap and it was alpaca.

It's nice to not have a deadline. I'm just working on one ten-row pattern repeat a day. I find it's good to switch from the constant stockinette stitch of the hoodie - keeps both sides of my brain working, I guess.

So all that rambling just to introduce this lonely, forgotten sock:

It is the start of the snowflake socks I'm making for an exchange with Miss Twiss. I like the pattern; I love the yarn (KnitPicks Gloss), but I don't know that the yarn & pattern like each other. I was expecting a lacy sock but what I've got so far looks really woolly, if that makes sense. I wonder if using a different needle size (larger?) or fewer stitches will make it better.

Here it is stretched on my arm to just under my elbow. Not too lacy. I may just start it over again. All ideas welcome...

Needful Fetching

The lovely Lauren, who always greets me with a smile at the Ottawa School of Art, loved the fingerless mitts I made for myself this Fall. She asked for a pair in green. After searching for a variegated green yarn in a natural fibre I finally decided on Needful Yarns "Joy", a vibrant, soft merino in orange, tan and green. What beautiful yarn to work with! Sadly, there was only about an inch worth of green showing in the mitt. What's worse is that the ball of 78 yards was just enough to finish the mitts, save an inch and a half and two thumbs.

When I went out to pick up the second ball of yarn I was thrilled to find a variegated green in the same yarn. I bought it right away and finished both pairs in record time. Fetching is such a fun pattern, and so quick! I like these ones even better than my originals. I think I might just keep those vivid orange/fuschia ones for myself.

( Action Shot!)

Beginnings

Look what arrived in the post today!!

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the building blocks for my Pinwheel Sweater

Won't it be beautiful?

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I can't open the bag yet though because this is breathing down my neck...

...the beginnings of my Central Park Hoodie.

I joined the KAL to make sure I actually finish!

Trials & Tribulations of a Scarf Portrait

take 3not even close

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take 8

almost there...

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take 11

how was that even possible?

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take 15 well - at least it does the job

Sorry there's no smile...I'm really quite thrilled with it!

Pattern: Danica

Yarn: Patons Classic Merino Wool

in Regency, Paprika & Rich Red

entrelac entrancement

In preparation for making some entrelac socks I decided to try an entrelac scarf to make sure I got the hang of it.

_

Did I ever get the hang of it!!

Isn't it amazing what a little steam blocking can do?

He is some spoiled guy, I tell ya!